Protective foot membrane

Abstract

A membrane designed to surround the front portion of the foot and protect it from pressure that may be applied by shoes. The membrane acts as a protective barrier between the shoe and the wearer's foot. As a result, direct abrasion of the foot caused by portions of the shoe is reduced. Additionally, the membrane is designed to spread the pressure exerted by portions of the shoe, such as straps, to a significantly larger surface area of the wearer's foot. The membrane is worn on the front portion of the foot between the toes and the heel.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60 / 911,728, filed Apr. 13, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention generally relates to foot comfort and specifically relates to a membrane for protecting a foot from pressure applied to the foot by shoes worn over the foot.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]It is well known that people's feet are subject to constant pressure and wear throughout the day. For this reason, there is an abundance of podiatric products available for both preventing and treating foot injuries. Most preventative products are directed at providing additional padding or pressure distribution on the bottom of the foot, particularly the heel or balls of the feet. However, many shoes place tremendous pressure on the sides and top of the foot, as well as the bottom. Open-toed and high-heeled shoes particularly place great pressure on the front portion of the foot ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]In one embodiment, the invention provides a membrane that surrounds the front portion of the foot to protect it from pressure that may be applied by shoes. The membrane acts as a protective barrier between the shoe and the wearer's foot. As a result, direct abrasion of the foot or pressure applied to the foot caused by portions of the shoe contacting the foot are dramatically reduced. Additionally, the membrane is designed to cushion the foot from pressure and / or to spread the pressure exerted by portions of the shoe, such as straps, to a significantly larger surface area of the wearer's foot.

[0005]The membrane of the present invention may be made in one of a variety of configurations as described below. In its most general form, the membrane is a band that wraps around the front portion of the foot between the area of the foot that is just behind the toes and the heel. In one embodiment, the back of the membrane falls within the arch of the foot. Having an embodiment of the inventive membrane in the form of a band, such that the toes are left open, is advantageous for the design of open-toed shoes. The wearer may enjoy the comfort of the membrane without restricting their wardrobe to close-toed shoes. Using the membrane, the wearer may comfortably wear high heels, open-toed shoes or any traditionally uncomfortable shoes.

Problems solved by technology

It is well known that people's feet are subject to constant pressure and wear throughout the day.

However, many shoes place tremendous pressure on the sides and top of the foot, as well as the bottom.

Open-toed and high-heeled shoes particularly place great pressure on the front portion of the foot just behind the toes.

This, in combination with the added pressure caused by the angle of the high-heeled shoe can cause extreme discomfort or even damage to the foot.

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